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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Gene Doctors Milk Mice; Yield Human Breast Milk Protein


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Mice have been genetically engineered to produce the human protein lactoferrin in their milk (above, researcher Lothar Hennighausen milks a mouse in the lab in 1979). Lactoferrin in human breast milk protects nursing babies from viruses and bacteria.

Russian scientists said in June 2009 that the successful trials could be a first step toward healthier baby formula.

Photograph courtesy Lothar Hennighausen, NIH